The goals of fractured wrist treatment are to ensure the proper healing of a break or crack in a wrist bone and to address the accompanying pain, swelling, and impaired function. Individuals in Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and nearby Virginia areas who have sustained forceful wrist injuries from falls, car accidents, sporting mishaps, and other causes can receive outstanding diagnostic care and treatment from the fellowship-trained (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) hand and wrist specialists at Tidewater Orthopaedics.

Fractured wrist treatment can vary based on the nature of the break. Some fractures are relatively simple and stable, with good bone positioning and alignment. Others are inherently unstable, involving bones that are badly displaced or shattered into multiple pieces. Sometimes, a bone fragment can penetrate the skin. The degree of the fracture will influence the types of treatment recommended. Other factors unrelated to the fracture that influence treatment include a patient’s:

Age

Occupation and activity level

Hand dominance

Prior injuries or wrist arthritis, if any

Bone density

Other medical conditions

The physicians at Tidewater Orthopaedics in Hampton Roads often recommend splints and casts for fractured wrist treatment if the broken bone is not displaced, or to protect a displaced bone after it has been set. For more complex fractures, surgery may be necessary to stabilize a bone with pins, screws, plates, or rods.

As a wrist fracture heals, it is important to keep the fingers flexible (if they are not immobilized during treatment). This can be accomplished through hand therapy, which is highly specialized. The onsite hand therapists at Tidewater Orthopaedics are certified by the Hand Therapy Certification Commission, which requires extensive experience and a comprehensive examination. During rehabilitation, the guidance of an experienced hand therapist can facilitate the healing process and help a patient regain functional independence.

To learn more about fractured wrist treatment options, contact Tidewater Orthopaedics at 757-827-2480. Residents of Hampton, Williamsburg, Newport News, and the other VA cities can count on receiving personalized care from our entire team of orthopaedic experts and physical therapists.